Resident Return Visa Processing Time in 2026: Complete Guide for Subclass 155 and 157

If you are an Australian permanent resident who has been living overseas or whose travel facility has expired you may be wondering how long the Resident Return Visa actually takes to process in 2026. The answer depends heavily on your individual circumstances and getting it wrong can mean being stranded outside Australia or losing your ability to re-enter as a permanent resident.

In this guide, Red Earth Migration MARA Registered Agents based in Perth breaks down the current processing times for the Resident Return Visa (RRV) Subclass 155 and Subclass 157 in 2026, what affects your timeline, how the substantial ties test works and what you can do to get your application processed as fast as possible.

What is the Resident Return Visa (RRV)?

One The Resident Return Visa (RRV) is a visa that allows current or former Australian permanent residents and former Australian citizens, to re-enter Australia and maintain their permanent residency status after their travel facility has expired.

When you are granted an Australian permanent residency visa, your travel facility the right to physically leave and re-enter Australia is typically valid for five years from the date of grant. After that date, your permanent residency itself does not expire, but your right to return to Australia as a permanent resident does.

The Department of Home Affairs assesses every RRV application against both subclasses simultaneously. You apply once and the Department determines which subclass you qualify for based on your individual circumstances.

Resident Return Visa Processing Time in 2026 by scenario

Processing times for the RRV vary significantly depending on which pathway you fall under. Below is the most current breakdown based on 2026 Department of Home Affairs data.

Important: DOHA does not expedite processing simply because your travel is urgent. If you have a tight deadline a family emergency, an expiring passport, an overseas business commitment apply as early as possible and ensure your application is complete and well-supported from the start. 

What affects RRV processing time key factors

The single biggest variable in how long your Resident Return Visa takes to process is how well your application is prepared. Here is what matters most:

1. Whether you meet the 2-in-5 year residence rule
   This is the fastest pathway. If you can demonstrate that you were lawfully present in Australia as a permanent resident or citizen for at least 730 days in the five years before applying, your application is straightforward. Evidence such as passport stamps, travel records, tax returns and bank statements showing Australian activity will support this.
2. Quality and completeness of your documentation
   Incomplete applications are the primary cause of delays. If the Department of Home Affairs needs to request further information which it will do if your evidence is unclear, missing, or inconsistent your processing time can extend by weeks or months. Every document submitted should directly address the eligibility criteria relevant to your pathway.
3. Whether a substantial ties assessment is required
   If you do not meet the 2-in-5 residence rule, the Department assesses whether you have substantial ties to Australia. This is a more complex assessment and significantly increases processing time typically to 2 to 4 months and sometimes longer if the case officer requests more evidence.
4. How long you have been absent from Australia
   Applicants who have been absent for five or more continuous years face a higher bar. The Department will look closely at the reasons for prolonged absence, the nature of your ongoing ties to Australia and whether those ties are of genuine benefit to the country. These applications routinely take several months and often result in requests for further information.
5. Whether you apply online or on paper
   Online applications via ImmiAccount are processed faster than paper applications, attract the lower fee (AUD $490 vs higher for paper) and give you direct access to your application status. Always apply online unless you have a specific reason not to.

Eligibility who can apply for the Resident Return Visa?

To be eligible for an RRV in 2026, you must be one of the following:

• A current Australian permanent resident whose travel facility has expired or is about to expire
• A former Australian permanent resident whose last permanent visa was not cancelled
• A former Australian citizen who lost or renounced their Australian citizenship

You must also meet health and character requirements and if you do not meet the residence rule demonstrate substantial ties to Australia or compelling and compassionate circumstances.

The 2-in-5 year residence rule in detail

To qualify for the standard five-year Subclass 155, you must have spent at least two years (730 days) physically present in Australia as a permanent resident or Australian citizen in the five years immediately before the date of application. Periods on a temporary or bridging visa do not count toward this requirement.

If you are in the process of applying for Australian skilled migration and have not yet accumulated 730 days, you will need to plan your travel carefully to avoid your travel facility expiring before you qualify for the full five-year RRV.

Substantial ties what counts and how to prove it

If you do not meet the 2-in-5 residence rule, you may still qualify for a one-year Subclass 155 if you can demonstrate substantial ties to Australia that are of benefit to Australia. The Department considers four categories of ties:

Agent tip: The Department requires ties that are both ‘substantial’ and ‘of benefit to Australia’. Personal ties alone (such as having friends in Australia) are rarely sufficient. The strongest substantial ties applications combine two or more categories for example, business ties supported by employment ties with clear, third-party evidence for each.

RRV fees in 2026

As of the 2025–26 financial year, the Resident Return Visa application fee is:

The application fee is non-refundable even if your application is refused. This is one of the most important reasons to seek professional advice before submitting a refused application costs you the fee and delays your travel plans.

How to apply for the Resident Return Visa step by step

1. Check your current visa status using VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online). Confirm your permanent residency is still active and note your travel facility expiry date.
2. Count your days of Australian residence in the past five years. If you meet the 730-day threshold, your application is straightforward. If not, assess what substantial ties evidence you can gather.
3. Create or log into your ImmiAccount at the Department of Home Affairs website.
4. Gather all supporting documents: passport, travel history, proof of residence in Australia and evidence of substantial ties if applicable. Ensure all documents are in English or accompanied by a certified translation.
5. Complete Form 1085 Application for Resident Return Visa accurately and honestly. Any inconsistency between your form and your documents can trigger delays or refusal.
6. Pay the AUD $490 application fee online.
7. Submit your application and note your Transaction Reference Number (TRN). If you are in Australia, you will receive a bridging arrangement allowing you to remain while the application is assessed.
8. Respond promptly to any requests for further information from the Department. Delays in responding directly extend your processing time.

If your situation involves a substantial ties assessment, a five-plus-year absence, or a previous visa refusal, do not apply without professional advice. A poorly prepared application can result in refusal and significantly limits your options for re-entry.

RRV and your pathway to Australian citizenship

The Resident Return Visa plays a critical but often overlooked role in the citizenship journey. To be eligible for Australian citizenship by conferral, you must have been physically present in Australia for at least four years, including at least one year as a permanent resident.

If your travel facility expires and you do not apply for an RRV before travelling, you may lose your ability to return as a permanent resident which would reset your citizenship clock entirely. Maintaining an active travel facility through timely RRV applications is an essential part of managing your long-term residency and citizenship pathway.

If you hold a partner visa or another permanent visa and are approaching the five-year mark since your initial grant, speak to a MARA Registered Agent about whether an RRV is needed before your next international trip.

FAQs

Q1. How long does a Resident Return Visa take to process in 2026?

Processing time depends on your pathway. If you meet the 2-in-5 year residence rule and your application is complete and well-supported, the Subclass 155 is typically decided in under 1 day to 32 days based on January 2026 data.
If you do not meet the residence rule and are relying on substantial ties, expect a realistic processing time of 2 to 4 months and potentially longer if the Department of Home Affairs requests further information. Applications involving a 5-or-more-year absence, a previous refusal, or complex tie evidence routinely take several months.
The Department does not offer priority processing for RRV applications based on urgency of travel. Apply as early as possible.

Q2. What is the difference between Subclass 155 and Subclass 157?

Both are types of Resident Return Visa, but they differ significantly in eligibility and validity.
Subclass 155 is the standard and preferred RRV. It grants either a 5-year travel facility (if you meet the 2-in-5 residence rule) or a 1-year travel facility (if you meet the substantial ties test). The Department of Home Affairs assesses every application against Subclass 155 first.
Subclass 157 is a fallback option granting only a 3-month travel facility. It applies when you cannot meet the Subclass 155 criteria but have compelling and compassionate reasons for your absence or travel such as a medical emergency or a serious family situation. If you qualify for Subclass 155, you will not be granted a Subclass 157.
In practical terms: pursue Subclass 155 with proper preparation. Subclass 157 is a last resort, not a convenient shortcut.

Q3. Can I apply for an RRV from outside Australia?

Yes. You can lodge an RRV application from both inside and outside Australia. However, there are important differences depending on where you apply.
If you apply from inside Australia: you may travel before or after the grant is made. You will typically receive a bridging arrangement allowing you to remain lawfully in Australia during processing.
If you apply from outside Australia: you must remain outside Australia until a decision is made. Once granted, you can then travel to Australia on the new visa.
If your travel facility has already expired and you are currently outside Australia, do not attempt to re-enter without an active RRV. Contact our team immediately to discuss your options and apply as a matter of urgency.

Q4. What counts as substantial ties to Australia for the RRV?

Substantial ties are assessed across four categories: business, employment, cultural and personal. Your ties must be both ‘substantial’ (significant and ongoing) and ‘of benefit to Australia’ not just of benefit to you personally.

The strongest applications combine multiple categories of ties with clear, third-party evidence. If you are unsure whether your circumstances meet the threshold, seek advice from a MARA Registered Agent before applying.

Q5.How much does the Resident Return Visa cost in 2026?

As of the 2025–26 financial year, the Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155 and 157) application fee is AUD $490 for online applications lodged through ImmiAccount.
Paper applications attract a higher fee. Additional charges may apply in specific circumstances for example, if health checks or police certificates are required.
Critically, the application fee is non-refundable. If your application is refused, you will not receive a refund. This is a significant financial reason to ensure your application is properly prepared before submission, particularly if you are relying on the substantial ties pathway or have a complex visa history.
Always verify the current fee on the Department of Home Affairs website before applying, as fees are updated on July 1 each financial year.

Need help with your Resident Return Visa? Talk to a MARA Registered Agent

The Resident Return Visa is deceptively complex. While straightforward applications are processed quickly, any application involving substantial ties, long absences, or previous visa refusals carries significant risk if not prepared correctly. A refused application costs you the fee, the time, and in some cases, your ability to return to Australia as a permanent resident.

Red Earth Migration are MARA Registered Migration Agents based in Perth with offices in India. We have helped thousands of permanent residents protect their residency status and navigate the RRV process including complex substantial ties cases and urgent applications for clients stranded overseas.

We speak Hindi, Punjabi, and Gujarati. Our consultations are free and without obligation. pathway.

Contact our team today to discuss your Resident Return Visa and ensure your permanent residency is protected.